Work to make Gullet Quarry safer is completed, in the wake of two drownings last year

WORK at the Gullet Quarry lake to make it safer after two young people drowned there last summer has been completed.

Malvern Hills Conservators commissioned the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to make recommendations in the wake of two deaths within a week of each other in July.

The two who died were 22-year-old Justas Juzenas from Ross-on-Wye and Russell O’Neill, aged 17, of Worcester. Three other people have died in the lake since 1995.

Although there were calls for the water-filled quarry, a popular spot on hot summer days, to be drained or filled in, most people thought it should stay open.

Now RoSPA's recommended safety works are complete, but the Conservators are also stressing the message that the lake is not for swimming.

Director Stephen Bound said: "The new safety measures make it extremely clear that people should not enter the water. We urge people to be responsible and not to put themselves at risk by swimming in the lake at Gullet Quarry."

A post-and-rail fence has been erected to act as a physical and psychological barrier, indicating that people should not enter the water.

New signs have been put up highlighting the dangers of swimming, and giving the site's postcode and grid reference in case of emergency.

Thorny shrubs have been planted around the water’s edge to act as a barrier and deter people from sunbathing around the lake. And a throw line has been provided if anyone does get into difficulties in the lake.

The Conservators are also writing to secondary schools throughout Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire asking them to highlight to their pupils the dangers of swimming in open water.

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In the wake of last summer's deaths, a Malvern Gazette poll showed that 68 per cent of respondents said the quarry should be kept open, 21 per cent wanted it drained, and 11 per cent said it should be fenced off. Swimming in the quarry is illegal under the Malvern Hills Conservators' bylaws.

Comments (22)

I have no idea why this shadowy, dog-fowled, empty foster tins-littered, Lord of the Flies area is such a 'Hot Spot'. Personally I think it's disgusting.
The only way they can make it safe is to pull their finger out and fill the whole thing in...PROPERLY. Like they should of done many moons ago. And make it into a nice park area. I mean people handing around a dank old dig site like this is depressing.

I have no idea why this shadowy, dog-fowled, empty foster tins-littered, Lord of the Flies area is such a 'Hot Spot'. Personally I think it's disgusting.
The only way they can make it safe is to pull their finger out and fill the whole thing in...PROPERLY. Like they should of done many moons ago. And make it into a nice park area. I mean people handing around a dank old dig site like this is depressing.MrThirsty247

I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?

I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?Andy_R

Andy_R wrote:
I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?

Hi Andy_R,

I've been told by locals is that it's still full of old machinery, it's got a natural spring that feeds very cold water into the basin and the shock for people is too much once they've jumped in. Also it's shape does not make for an easy exit of rescue.

[quote][p][bold]Andy_R[/bold] wrote:
I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?[/p][/quote]Hi Andy_R,
I've been told by locals is that it's still full of old machinery, it's got a natural spring that feeds very cold water into the basin and the shock for people is too much once they've jumped in. Also it's shape does not make for an easy exit of rescue.MrThirsty247

It still won't stop the stupid/arrogant from thinking it's safe for them to swim in. Thank goodness those few who called for it to be filled in have not been listened to. Don't deprive the majority of this spot because a small minority are too selfish to consider the consequences to themselves, their families and the rescue services.

It still won't stop the stupid/arrogant from thinking it's safe for them to swim in. Thank goodness those few who called for it to be filled in have not been listened to. Don't deprive the majority of this spot because a small minority are too selfish to consider the consequences to themselves, their families and the rescue services.CJH

There were already warning signs and, after the recent and other drownings, you would have thought that most people would know not to risk their lives there. But, as CJH says, the new measures will quite probably make no difference whatsoever to those who think that they know better.

There were already warning signs and, after the recent and other drownings, you would have thought that most people would know not to risk their lives there. But, as CJH says, the new measures will quite probably make no difference whatsoever to those who think that they know better.Arthur Blenkinsop

At least it carries on Darwins natural selection process.
Why then did it get fenced off if only 11% wanted it ?
should have left it alone, the fences won't stop these morons from killing themselves

At least it carries on Darwins natural selection process.
Why then did it get fenced off if only 11% wanted it ?
should have left it alone, the fences won't stop these morons from killing themselvesGeoffery1966

Andy_R wrote:
I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?

Hi Andy_R,

I've been told by locals is that it's still full of old machinery, it's got a natural spring that feeds very cold water into the basin and the shock for people is too much once they've jumped in. Also it's shape does not make for an easy exit of rescue.

It is a complete myth that it is full of old machinery. This was also confirmed by the fire brigade last year when the tragedies happened. The only reason it is dangerous is the cold water spring and naive youngsters that jump in having had a couple of drinks causing the body to cramp.

When used correctly with adequate diving equipment or experienced open water swimmers with correct attire it is the same as any other open water facility.

[quote][p][bold]MrThirsty247[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Andy_R[/bold] wrote:
I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?[/p][/quote]Hi Andy_R,
I've been told by locals is that it's still full of old machinery, it's got a natural spring that feeds very cold water into the basin and the shock for people is too much once they've jumped in. Also it's shape does not make for an easy exit of rescue.[/p][/quote]It is a complete myth that it is full of old machinery. This was also confirmed by the fire brigade last year when the tragedies happened. The only reason it is dangerous is the cold water spring and naive youngsters that jump in having had a couple of drinks causing the body to cramp.
When used correctly with adequate diving equipment or experienced open water swimmers with correct attire it is the same as any other open water facility.Ronnie6704

Andy_R wrote:
I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?

Hi Andy_R,

I've been told by locals is that it's still full of old machinery, it's got a natural spring that feeds very cold water into the basin and the shock for people is too much once they've jumped in. Also it's shape does not make for an easy exit of rescue.

It is a complete myth that it is full of old machinery. This was also confirmed by the fire brigade last year when the tragedies happened. The only reason it is dangerous is the cold water spring and naive youngsters that jump in having had a couple of drinks causing the body to cramp.

When used correctly with adequate diving equipment or experienced open water swimmers with correct attire it is the same as any other open water facility.

You're absolutely right Ronnie. See my previous comments on the subject, ut in general this place represents the usual risks of cold water that most people in Britain are blissfully unaware of.

The human body will lose heat 25 times faster in water than in air, immersion in cold water for persons who are not properly acclimatised or wearing proper equipment will result in "cold shock" (uncontrolled rapid breathing and gasping causing water inhalation, massive increase in blood pressure and cardiac strain leading to (possible) cardiac arrest or drowning)....failing that the majority die of "cold incapacitation" (loss of use and control of limbs and hands for swimming or gripping, as the body 'protectively' shuts down the peripheral muscles of the limbs to protect its core temperature). You try and put your feet down and "Oh...I'm way out of my depth!"....in more ways than one.....

[quote][p][bold]Ronnie6704[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MrThirsty247[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Andy_R[/bold] wrote:
I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?[/p][/quote]Hi Andy_R,
I've been told by locals is that it's still full of old machinery, it's got a natural spring that feeds very cold water into the basin and the shock for people is too much once they've jumped in. Also it's shape does not make for an easy exit of rescue.[/p][/quote]It is a complete myth that it is full of old machinery. This was also confirmed by the fire brigade last year when the tragedies happened. The only reason it is dangerous is the cold water spring and naive youngsters that jump in having had a couple of drinks causing the body to cramp.
When used correctly with adequate diving equipment or experienced open water swimmers with correct attire it is the same as any other open water facility.[/p][/quote]You're absolutely right Ronnie. See my previous comments on the subject, ut in general this place represents the usual risks of cold water that most [young] people in Britain are blissfully unaware of.
The human body will lose heat 25 times faster in water than in air, immersion in cold water for persons who are not properly acclimatised or wearing proper equipment will result in "cold shock" (uncontrolled rapid breathing and gasping causing water inhalation, massive increase in blood pressure and cardiac strain leading to (possible) cardiac arrest or drowning)....failing that the majority die of "cold incapacitation" (loss of use and control of limbs and hands for swimming or gripping, as the body 'protectively' shuts down the peripheral muscles of the limbs to protect its core temperature). You try and put your feet down and "Oh...I'm way out of my depth!"....in more ways than one.....lehig76

MUFC2501 wrote:
Jesus...the two boys that died last year were just kids. Regardless of whether you think they were &quot;morons" or not. Show some respect. Moron.

Yes it was tragic, but they weren't children. They were 22 and 17. Old enough to make their own decisions. They did not consider their own safety, let alone the effect it would have on their friends and family.

[quote][p][bold]MUFC2501[/bold] wrote:
Jesus...the two boys that died last year were just kids. Regardless of whether you think they were "morons" or not. Show some respect. Moron.[/p][/quote]Yes it was tragic, but they weren't children. They were 22 and 17. Old enough to make their own decisions. They did not consider their own safety, let alone the effect it would have on their friends and family.CJH

Since when has 22 been a kid ?
Fully grown adult and the other 17 not a child
Get a grip, they were old enough to read the signs
Natural Selection at work
It stops morons from being in the majority

Since when has 22 been a kid ?
Fully grown adult and the other 17 not a child
Get a grip, they were old enough to read the signs
Natural Selection at work
It stops morons from being in the majorityGeoffery1966

I should point out that I was in the quarry the day the younger man died.

Yes. It is a pointless waste for someone to die there but the young men there weren't exactly behaving in an orderly manner and myself and my dog who frequent it in summer decided it was time to leave. Others with small children also started to leave at the same time.

More so since beer cans and glass beer bottles were being discarded with no regard for others using the area.

Its about time people and their families took responsiblity for their own actions and stopped making excuses for their own foolishness which is very often down to alcohol.

It is neither dangerous or filled with machinery. And the water is cold but clean.

And fencing it off wont stop people swimming. Filling it in only panders to the few. The vast majority, Yes MrThirsty247 I am speaking to you, enjoy this pretty spot and your views are in the minority.

I should point out that I was in the quarry the day the younger man died.
Yes. It is a pointless waste for someone to die there but the young men there weren't exactly behaving in an orderly manner and myself and my dog who frequent it in summer decided it was time to leave. Others with small children also started to leave at the same time.
More so since beer cans and glass beer bottles were being discarded with no regard for others using the area.
Its about time people and their families took responsiblity for their own actions and stopped making excuses for their own foolishness which is very often down to alcohol.
It is neither dangerous or filled with machinery. And the water is cold but clean.
And fencing it off wont stop people swimming. Filling it in only panders to the few. The vast majority, Yes MrThirsty247 I am speaking to you, enjoy this pretty spot and your views are in the minority.AndrewAMW

Its pathetic. They died because they jumped in from height and were shocked because it is so cold. Its no more dangerous than any other body of water other than it is very cold. They might as well fence off the river.

Its pathetic. They died because they jumped in from height and were shocked because it is so cold. Its no more dangerous than any other body of water other than it is very cold. They might as well fence off the river.poontangy

Andy_R wrote:
I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?

The "lake" is not dangerous but the behavior of the people is, mostly gangs of teenagers who get stoned out of their minds on cheap cider in heatwave summer weather and then jump into the water, often from a great height.
Barely a week goes by without the Malvern Gazette reporting deaths and serous injuries on local roads, often of young drivers who have been bought a car by their mummy and daddy but no one has seriously suggested restricting the use of motor vehicles to over 25 year olds, although this would save many more lives. The kids will probably go down to Upton in the summer now where they will really get into trouble !

[quote][p][bold]Andy_R[/bold] wrote:
I'd like to know more abut why this particular lake is so dangerous. It clearly doesn't have dangerous currents as it's static, which on the face of it would seem to make it safer than swimming at the seaside... so why have so many people died in this particular place?[/p][/quote]The "lake" is not dangerous but the behavior of the people is, mostly gangs of teenagers who get stoned out of their minds on cheap cider in heatwave summer weather and then jump into the water, often from a great height.
Barely a week goes by without the Malvern Gazette reporting deaths and serous injuries on local roads, often of young drivers who have been bought a car by their mummy and daddy but no one has seriously suggested restricting the use of motor vehicles to over 25 year olds, although this would save many more lives. The kids will probably go down to Upton in the summer now where they will really get into trouble !Bufton Tufton

rod123 wrote:
Swimming is illegal in the quarry. Measures should be taken that this is enforced, with heavy fines for anyone putting their lives or emergency service staff at risk.

Oh yeah, so your going to heavily fine a school-kid, coz thats what most of them are!

[quote][p][bold]rod123[/bold] wrote:
Swimming is illegal in the quarry. Measures should be taken that this is enforced, with heavy fines for anyone putting their lives or emergency service staff at risk.[/p][/quote]Oh yeah, so your going to heavily fine a school-kid, coz thats what most of them are!Bufton Tufton

During 2013, one read much about this quarry and its dangers. It would seem this area attracts people during warm sunny days (like most places where water is plentiful) It is sad that lives have been lost while seeking enjoyment from bathing and swimming at this quarry.

Reading the article it seems that those who have the power have listened to those who wanted the quarry drained and filled in. As it has to those who were anti draining and filling in. Everyone should heed warnings and notices, which are posted for our benefit. Sadly, when we are young we seem to have no fear with the attitude that these notices are posted for idiots, and not us. I hope that with all the work, which has been, done one will realise that we are the idiots for not heeding warnings posted in an attempt to safeguard us from danger. When young we totally ignore. We aways know best. Well let me assure readers, which many will already know. Mum and Dad, even schoolteachers, and the local Bobby all knew much more than we gave them credit.
Most places that have water spots, such as ornamental ponds with or without fish, canals, even municipal Swimming pools, and the many other places where water collects and remains can be dangerous if one ignore the rules of safety.

During 2013, one read much about this quarry and its dangers. It would seem this area attracts people during warm sunny days (like most places where water is plentiful) It is sad that lives have been lost while seeking enjoyment from bathing and swimming at this quarry.
Reading the article it seems that those who have the power have listened to those who wanted the quarry drained and filled in. As it has to those who were anti draining and filling in. Everyone should heed warnings and notices, which are posted for our benefit. Sadly, when we are young we seem to have no fear with the attitude that these notices are posted for idiots, and not us. I hope that with all the work, which has been, done one will realise that we are the idiots for not heeding warnings posted in an attempt to safeguard us from danger. When young we totally ignore. We aways know best. Well let me assure readers, which many will already know. Mum and Dad, even schoolteachers, and the local Bobby all knew much more than we gave them credit.
Most places that have water spots, such as ornamental ponds with or without fish, canals, even municipal Swimming pools, and the many other places where water collects and remains can be dangerous if one ignore the rules of safety.Allan Whitehead

What about providing an alternative outdoor bathing facility? Something the town seriously lacks. I mean, who wants to go to the splash on a blistering hot day? What a tourist attraction it would be as well! LIDO please.

What about providing an alternative outdoor bathing facility? Something the town seriously lacks. I mean, who wants to go to the splash on a blistering hot day? What a tourist attraction it would be as well! LIDO please.bigjohn92

bigjohn92 wrote:
What about providing an alternative outdoor bathing facility? Something the town seriously lacks. I mean, who wants to go to the splash on a blistering hot day? What a tourist attraction it would be as well! LIDO please.

And they would still swim in the quarry! They want to show off to their friends. They want to flout the law. They want the danger.

[quote][p][bold]bigjohn92[/bold] wrote:
What about providing an alternative outdoor bathing facility? Something the town seriously lacks. I mean, who wants to go to the splash on a blistering hot day? What a tourist attraction it would be as well! LIDO please.[/p][/quote]And they would still swim in the quarry! They want to show off to their friends. They want to flout the law. They want the danger.CJH

I do not think that the people who swam in the Gullet were idiots. And I was swimming there when the last person drowned - and he was neither reckless nor drunk. As someone who has swum in those beautiful clean waters at least a 100 times I think it's a huge shame that people will now be denied this joy. If you haven't swum there you really cannot appreciate how lovely it is. There is not machinery it's not that deep.

Modern life in Britain can be humdrum and heavily regulated. A lot of young people are on anti depressants and feel purposeless. Many of those people really need wild uplifting experiences like the Gullet provided - with guidance on how to manage risk, not avoid life. This is the approach in countries like France.

This summer many young people will die in Britain whilst swimming, driving, cycling etc. Let's teach them that a life well lived includes risk - and how to deal with that.

In the meantime does any one know of anywhere else as lovely as the Gullet was - without driving too far etc? We going to need something - and I don't mean a lido!

I do not think that the people who swam in the Gullet were idiots. And I was swimming there when the last person drowned - and he was neither reckless nor drunk. As someone who has swum in those beautiful clean waters at least a 100 times I think it's a huge shame that people will now be denied this joy. If you haven't swum there you really cannot appreciate how lovely it is. There is not machinery it's not that deep.
Modern life in Britain can be humdrum and heavily regulated. A lot of young people are on anti depressants and feel purposeless. Many of those people really need wild uplifting experiences like the Gullet provided - with guidance on how to manage risk, not avoid life. This is the approach in countries like France.
This summer many young people will die in Britain whilst swimming, driving, cycling etc. Let's teach them that a life well lived includes risk - and how to deal with that.
In the meantime does any one know of anywhere else as lovely as the Gullet was - without driving too far etc? We going to need something - and I don't mean a lido!Tabora

Tabora wrote:
I do not think that the people who swam in the Gullet were idiots. And I was swimming there when the last person drowned - and he was neither reckless nor drunk. As someone who has swum in those beautiful clean waters at least a 100 times I think it's a huge shame that people will now be denied this joy. If you haven't swum there you really cannot appreciate how lovely it is. There is not machinery it's not that deep.

Modern life in Britain can be humdrum and heavily regulated. A lot of young people are on anti depressants and feel purposeless. Many of those people really need wild uplifting experiences like the Gullet provided - with guidance on how to manage risk, not avoid life. This is the approach in countries like France.

This summer many young people will die in Britain whilst swimming, driving, cycling etc. Let's teach them that a life well lived includes risk - and how to deal with that.

In the meantime does any one know of anywhere else as lovely as the Gullet was - without driving too far etc? We going to need something - and I don't mean a lido!

What on earth are you thinking, enouraging kids to do dangerous things. I know you can't wrap them in cottonwool, but honestly - are you stupid or what? Idiot troll!

[quote][p][bold]Tabora[/bold] wrote:
I do not think that the people who swam in the Gullet were idiots. And I was swimming there when the last person drowned - and he was neither reckless nor drunk. As someone who has swum in those beautiful clean waters at least a 100 times I think it's a huge shame that people will now be denied this joy. If you haven't swum there you really cannot appreciate how lovely it is. There is not machinery it's not that deep.
Modern life in Britain can be humdrum and heavily regulated. A lot of young people are on anti depressants and feel purposeless. Many of those people really need wild uplifting experiences like the Gullet provided - with guidance on how to manage risk, not avoid life. This is the approach in countries like France.
This summer many young people will die in Britain whilst swimming, driving, cycling etc. Let's teach them that a life well lived includes risk - and how to deal with that.
In the meantime does any one know of anywhere else as lovely as the Gullet was - without driving too far etc? We going to need something - and I don't mean a lido![/p][/quote]What on earth are you thinking, enouraging kids to do dangerous things. I know you can't wrap them in cottonwool, but honestly - are you stupid or what? Idiot troll!CJH

Arthur Blenkinsop wrote:
There were already warning signs and, after the recent and other drownings, you would have thought that most people would know not to risk their lives there. But, as CJH says, the new measures will quite probably make no difference whatsoever to those who think that they know better.

Mr Arthur Blenkinsop,
Sir, you must have been at an age when items of importance (Such has danger to life and limb) were completely ignored by you and those of a similar age. It is only when we acquire a smattering of our own common sense. We realise many things we did as children, adolescents, and then during some of our teens were very dangerous and could have had serious consequences had anything gone wrong.

I can recall shinning up a drainpipe to recover our ball that had lodged in the roof gutters. Building a raft from planks of wood and oil drums then sail down the River which was rat infested full of leeches, and worst of all it was full of all sorts of factory waste. Fear was the least of our worries. Fear was something that parents talked about, and warned us know-all of the hidden dangers. Then something like real magic strikes you as an individual. You find that shinning to retrieve a ball, is now a NO NO. Is it fear or commons sense, you also begin to respect, rivers canals, lakes, reservoirs and several other thing that you had once been warned about.

So let us not pretend that we were any different from today’s youngster. Notices, which tell you something, or give you a warning are usually read and if the words say “DO NOT” It will be ignore by many. Who like many and me other consider themselves invincible to anything?

[quote][p][bold]Arthur Blenkinsop[/bold] wrote:
There were already warning signs and, after the recent and other drownings, you would have thought that most people would know not to risk their lives there. But, as CJH says, the new measures will quite probably make no difference whatsoever to those who think that they know better.[/p][/quote]Mr Arthur Blenkinsop,
Sir, you must have been at an age when items of importance (Such has danger to life and limb) were completely ignored by you and those of a similar age. It is only when we acquire a smattering of our own common sense. We realise many things we did as children, adolescents, and then during some of our teens were very dangerous and could have had serious consequences had anything gone wrong.
I can recall shinning up a drainpipe to recover our ball that had lodged in the roof gutters. Building a raft from planks of wood and oil drums then sail down the River which was rat infested full of leeches, and worst of all it was full of all sorts of factory waste. Fear was the least of our worries. Fear was something that parents talked about, and warned us know-all of the hidden dangers. Then something like real magic strikes you as an individual. You find that shinning to retrieve a ball, is now a NO NO. Is it fear or commons sense, you also begin to respect, rivers canals, lakes, reservoirs and several other thing that you had once been warned about.
So let us not pretend that we were any different from today’s youngster. Notices, which tell you something, or give you a warning are usually read and if the words say “DO NOT” It will be ignore by many. Who like many and me other consider themselves invincible to anything?Lord Newbold